Things I Wish I Knew As A Photographer When I Started (Pt. 2)
Starting a creative business is an exhilarating whirlwind. You’re fueled by passion, driven by the desire to create, and convinced that technical skill is the only thing standing between you and success.
I know, because I was there. I’ve spent years learning the hard way—not just about aperture and shutter speed, but about the business, the mental game, and the unexpected truths of the creative life. If you're just starting out, or even if you’re a few years in and feeling frustrated, here are six major lessons I wish I'd learned sooner.
1. I wish I didn't waste so much money on "better" lenses
Straight up—I spent thousands on lenses I didn't need, because I thought they would make my photography better. We all fall into the trap of thinking the gear is the secret ingredient. In a way, all that expensive glass did help, but not how I expected. It showed me that I didn't need them, and that good photography comes from understanding how to use the tools you already have. Technique, composition, and lighting knowledge are priceless; a new f/1.2 is just a price tag.
(By the way, I still have all those lenses—"just in case!" The irony is not lost on me.)
2. It's not about how good you are, it's how well you connect
I used to think my success would be determined solely by how technically good I was or how creative my concepts were. Those things do matter, of course, but the truth is, it’s more about how much people like working with you, and if you can connect with your client!
Photography is a service business. If you’re kind, professional, and a genuinely good person to be around, you win. Getting along well with your clients pretty much guarantees repeat work, which leads directly to my next point...
3. Word of Mouth is powerful!
When a client loves working with you, they won't stop there—they will tell everybody!
Make it easy for them. Encourage them to tag you, mention you, and share your work with others to enjoy. Word of mouth is far more than a simple recommendation; it's a personal testimonial that goes way further than you think. It builds trust and rapport with people you don't even know yet. Nothing beats an organic, enthusiastic referral.
4. Burnout is inevitable, but you can and will pull through
The romanticized view of a creative entrepreneur often ignores the reality: it involves a lot of administrative work, a lot of editing, and a lot of chasing invoices.
The most successful people are the ones who fall in love with the cycle: going through the mundane, the repetition, boredom, frustration, burnout... and doing it all over again. This isn't about ignoring the warning signs of burnout, it's about acknowledging it as part of the process. If you can accept the low points as temporary and embrace the grit required to push past them, you will pull through every single time.
5. It isn't just you; working for yourself is lonely
When I started photography, I was coming from a background as a food blogger. I was constantly surrounded by friends and acquaintances at events and networking meet-ups. When I left that path, the sudden shift to sole-trading left me feeling isolated and quite lonely. I genuinely thought I had no one to relate to.
Turns out, almost every sole trader or hard-working individual feels the same. Solopreneurship can be a bubble. Knowing this has been a huge comfort—I don't feel so alone anymore! Find your community, online or in person, even if it's just for coffee and a commiseration session.
6. Put everything in writing and archive them: licensing, service agreements, fees, etc.
Early in my career, I relied on a collaborator or partner's word and good faith, and I got burnt, A LOT. While getting burnt did make my skin thicker, it also could have saved me thousands of dollars, not to mention countless hours of wasted labour.
Contracts, terms, quotes, service agreements, email exchanges—write them well, no matter how small the job, and get into a meticulous habit of archiving all your communications. Your future self will thank you for having the documentation you need, when you need it.
Final Thoughts
The journey to becoming a professional photographer is rarely linear, but every mistake is a lesson, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Take these hard-won truths to heart, save your money on that new lens (for now), and go connect with people!